Chapter 13

The following evening, Don Alejandro and Don Roberto enjoyed dinner at the de la Vega hacienda. Maria had truly outdone herself, he thought as he savored the meal. Diego and Gabriela were becoming fast friends. The tall caballero enjoyed her company as long as his father did not make any attempts at matchmaking. The young people shared a passion for books and science which made them truly compatible. Normally, the old don would try to manipulate this situation to his advantage but his son had his heart set on Victoria and Don Alejandro would not interfere, for once. I agree with Diego's choice but Gabriela would be an ideal choice if Victoria cannot be Diego's wife.

"Don Alejandro, you have certainly made my daughter and I feel welcome in your home. The dinner was excellent and the company has been delightful."

"Thank you, Roberto."

"Thank you, Alejandro. Gabriela and Diego make a lovely couple. Don't you think so, Alejandro?" Don Roberto knew that the de la Vega heir was a fine young man who would be an ideal son-in-law.

"Let's leave that decision in the hands of our children, por favor. My son can be stubborn at times…." Alejandro stated his voice trailing off. My son will marry for love and nothing else will satisfy him. He is too much like me in that regard...

"I agree, Alejandro. It is important that our children marry for love. Gabriella and I look forward to the opportunity to repay you for your gracious hospitality, Don Alejandro. Our cook has prepared some of her finest recipes. Although I am sure, that they don't compare to Maria's."

"Thank you for the compliment. Maria loves the opportunity to ply her trade."

ZZZ

"Diego, the whole town is talking about you, Juan and Senorita Escalante," Gabriella stated as they sat in the sala.

"It's a small pueblo so there isn't much to talk about, I'm afraid."

"You look happy, Diego. I take it that all is going well."

"I have spent more time with Victoria… getting to see each other in a different light…I hope that we are making progress. What about you, Gabriella? Isn't there anyone that you're interested in?"

"There is someone I am interested in but he's not interested in me…"

"Who wouldn't be interested in you, Gabriela? You are pretty and vivacious...what man would not be attracted to you?"

"You are well acquainted with him although he is not one of your favorite people, Diego."

A thought occurred to the caballero. No, it couldn't be! "You're not serious! Not Juan Ortiz of all people."

"I wouldn't plan something like this! Juan is in love with Victoria, for heaven's sake and…"

"You've never said anything before, Gabriela," he interrupted.

"You were quite preoccupied at the dinner party, Diego. I doubt you would have noticed anything else."

"I've been so involved with Victoria that I haven't had to time to think of anything else. What attracted you to Juan?"

"We talked for a few moments the other day. I think he is very handsome and he seems to be a good man. Juan is charming, Diego. Being a man, you wouldn't notice things like that."

"He has a certain appeal if you like that sort of thing. Nothing would make me happier than to see you happily settled with someone who loves you but Juan? Couldn't you have chosen someone else?" smirked Diego.

"The heart has a mind of its own, Diego. Would you change the feelings you have for Victoria?"

"No, I wouldn't. A person can not chose who they fall in love with. How does your father feel about your choice?"

"My father had his heart set on you as a future son-in-law, Diego. Anyone else would probably be a disappointment, I'm afraid."

"I would like nothing more to see you happy and settled with a family of your own," he stated honestly. He was not particularly fond of Juan but to each his own...

"There is, my friend. Marry Victoria, be happy and the rest will fall into place, hopefully. You know how I detest matchmaking. Juan is so involved with Victoria that he doesn't know I exist."

"Then make him know that you exist. You're a beautiful, intelligent woman with a lot to offer a man. All's fair in love and war, they say. Why don't you take your own advice? Why haven't you done something about it? How will you know if you don't even try?"

ZZZ

Victoria put away the last of the lunch dishes. The lunch crowd had been a little heavier then usual but she didn't mind hard work. In fact, her parents believed that it was good for you. The tavern was certainly profitable thanks to the business sense she had developed under Don Alejandro's capable guidance. I don't know what I would have done without him or Diego, for that matter. Victoria rested her head against the table...The taverness was just about to close her eyes when she heard a knock on the door. Victoria was surprised to see Diego carrying a picnic basket and a tablecloth.

"Hola, Victoria," he smiled. I hope that she will enjoy what I have planned for her.

'Diego, what are you doing here? I thought that you would be at The Guardian right now," the young woman smiled as she looked at her suitor.

"I usually am but I wanted to surprise you. Sit down and relax. Maria has prepared lunch for the two of us. Let me serve you for a change."

Senora Gomez said that Diego did not have a romantic bone in his body. She could not have been more wrong, the taverness watched Diego set the table as with flowers..."The food was simply wonderful, Diego."

"Gracias, I will send your regards to Maria but just between you and me, her cooking does not compare to yours," he said sincerely.

"I will keep your secret, Senor. Gracias, Diego," Victoria kissed the taller man's cheek in response.

Diego's blue eyes darkened. Dios, he thought. I love you so much. I would do anything to make you happy.